Visitors can enjoy high, unobstructed views of the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg as they ride the aerial tram at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park. This very large aerial tramway carries about 120 passengers from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg throughout the day. Visitors don’t have to worry about parking on the mountain [...]
Archive for May, 2009
The Aerial Tram Way, Gatlinburg, TN
Posted in Attractions, Gatlinburg, Photo Opportunity on May 31, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Shopping at the Red Roof Mall, Pigeon Forge, TN
Posted in Pigeon Forge, Shopping on May 30, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall is often called the “Red Roof Mall”. Here you will be able to find great discounts on name brands such as Pfaltzgraff, Black & Decker, and Bass Factory Outlet & Apparel. While you are shopping stop in one of the eateries, like the B&B Deli, for a fresh sandwich. [...]
Dollywood’s Splash Country
Posted in Attractions, Family Fun, Outdoor, Pigeon Forge on May 29, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
This is the second year for Splash Country’s Swift Water Run. This two year old slide features a giant corkscrew bowl in which you go round and round before flying down the chute. The Swift Water Run is a fun and exciting new addition to the water park. For more information about Dolly’s Splash Country, visit their [...]
Groceries in The Great Smoky Mountains
Posted in Shopping on May 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
When you first get to your cozy little cabin in the Smokies you will quickly realize one thing, it doesn’t come with food. There is an easy solution to that problem… go grocery shopping. There are three grocery stores located in Gatlinburg. They are listed below. You can also click the maps for a larger [...]
Tarantulas in The Great Smoky Mountains
Posted in Environment, Outdoor, Safety, Wildlife on May 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
When you think of tarantulas, you most likely think of the big, furry, scary ones that you see on National Geographic or in movies. Most of these species of tarantulas live in the southwestern parts of the U.S. However, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there is a species of tarantulas, most-commonly known as [...]
Golfing in The Smokies
Posted in Family Fun, Gatlinburg, Sports on May 26, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, the beauty and challenge of the Smoky Mountain golf courses will make you want to play here year round. The terrain-rich courses are receiving outstanding reviews. These courses offer golfers of all skill levels an interesting game, players have to hit the ball uphill, downhill, and on [...]
Going Green With Water Conservation
Posted in Environment on May 25, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
With hot summers well on their way, cooling off with water can be very tempting, but instead try “going green.” Here are some ways you can help conserve water: (1) Take brief showers and turn off the water in the shower when you don’t need it (for instance lathering up shampoo). Try to keep your showers [...]
Stay Safe in the Water
Posted in Family Fun, Free Things To Do, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Outdoor, Safety, Summer on May 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
When things get heated, be careful when cooling off. The streams and waterfalls of the park seem like an excellent way to cool off but, water recreation in the National Park is not recommended and you need to use extreme caution. Drowning is the leading cause of death in the park. If you get injured [...]
Wildlife Viewing
Posted in Family Fun, Free Things To Do, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Outdoor, Wildlife on May 23, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has preserved the largest wilderness sanctuary in the Eastern United States. To increase your chances of seeing the most diverse wildlife, be sure to carry binoculars, and drive slow through the park around dawn or dusk. The best place to view elk is in the Cataloochee Valley, where they [...]
Grotto Falls, Gatlinburg, TN
Posted in Family Fun, Free Things To Do, Gatlinburg, Outdoor, Photo Opportunity on May 22, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Grotto Falls is located on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail in Gatlinburg, TN. Grotto Falls is the only waterfall in the park that you can safely walk behind. The 1.5-mile hike to the falls is through a hemlock forest with large American beeches, maples, and silverbells. Round-trip the hike is 3 miles. The trail [...]
Black Bears in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Posted in Black Bears, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Outdoor, Photo Opportunity, Wildlife on May 21, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
One thing you may think about when you hear the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the black bear. People hope to see them from a distance, but fear to see them up-close. Their life cycle and habits have been studied for years and much has been learned of these animals. There is an estimated [...]
White Water Fun in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, TN
Posted in Attractions, Family Fun, Gatlinburg, Outdoor, Sports on May 20, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
For a wet and wild adventure while visiting the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area, visitors should check out Rip Roaring Adventures. At Rip Roaring Adventures, visitors can enjoy and fun filled day white water rafting led by knowledgeable instructors. Their location, directly on the river, makes them more affordable than competitors.
The Upper Pigeon trip is two hours [...]
Smoky Mountain Winery Gatlinburg, TN
Posted in Gatlinburg on May 19, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
What better way to experience the local flavor than with some Smoky Mountain wine? The Smoky Mountain Winery is located in Gatlinburg, TN. At the winery, some of the best Smoky Mountain wines are produced. The winery and vineyards are small, so the extra attention to detail is what makes the wine stand out. The premium mountain [...]
The Wetlands of The Smokies
Posted in Environment, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Outdoor on May 18, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
When you think of a wetland, you may think Florida or the Outer Banks with swamps and beaver ponds. But the wetlands of the Appalachian Mountains that are spread throughout Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia are rare communities technically called non-alluvial wetlands. You may not even recognize them as wetlands as you hike through the [...]
Townsend, TN
Posted in Family Fun, Free Things To Do, Hiking, Outdoor, Townsend, Wildlife on May 17, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
For a quiet mountain getaway from the congestion of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg visit Townsend, Tennessee. With its location 20 minutes southwest of these towns, Townsend offers a well-rounded view of the Great Smoky Mountains. This area is home to the Tremont area of the National Park, including two hiking trails and direct access to [...]
A Smoky Mountain Rainforest in Sevierville, TN
Posted in Environment, Family Fun, Free Things To Do, Outdoor, Wildlife on May 16, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Many Sevierville visitors don’t know that a Rainforest is only a hop skip and a jump away from them. At the Rainforest Adventures Discovery School, in Sevierville, TN, visitors can view over 130 species within the 400+ animals from the Rainforests around the world. Familys and visitors have a chance to see the exotic with [...]
Fine Arts Festival, Gatlinburg, TN
Posted in Arts & Crafts, Culture, Events, Family Fun, Gatlinburg, Shopping on May 15, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Tomorrow is the first day of the 5th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival. Visitors can check out quality artists from around the globe, music, and delicious entertainment all for free. The festival will be held along River Road next to the Ripley’s Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg. Come celebrate the many internationally recognized arts and crafts [...]
Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Gatlinburg on May 14, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Come and celebrate the 28th Anniversary of the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games on May 16th through 17th in Mills Park. On Friday there will be Whiskey tasting and a parade and on Saturday the games will begin. This is truly a one of a kind event. For more information on the festival please click here.
TroutFest in Tennessee
Posted in Events, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Outdoor on May 13, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Troutfest begins this Friday May 15th 2009. Troutfest is a Fly Fishing Exposition and Fundraiser held in Townsend, TN. May is a prime time to go fly-fishing in the Smokies. The event will have fly tying demonstrations, a cookout/auction, fishing seminars and more. For more information click here.
Big Creek Horse Camp, Smoky Mountain National Park, TN
Posted in Family Fun, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Outdoor on May 12, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Big Creek is one of five horse camps in the park, but is the only one that is accessible, has potable water, and flushable toilets. The camp is located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is made up of six drive-in sites that allow for an extensive 16 miles of horse trail within [...]
Chevy Classics Round Up, Pigeon Forge, TN
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Pigeon Forge on May 11, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
May 15th through 17th marks this years Chevy Classics Roundup in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The models shown are 1955-1957. This event makes up only one of the popular Rod Runs held in Pigeon Forge. Make sure to get there early to ensure prime parking and to have time to experience the amazing shopping and eating [...]
Deer Farm and Petting Zoo, Sevierville, TN
Posted in Attractions, Family Fun, Outdoor, Photo Opportunity, Sevierville on May 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Did you think the only animals in the Great Smoky Mountains were bear and horses? Well think again. At the Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo, located in the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, you can not only see but also pet animals like Kangaroos, reindeer, camels, among many others. The attraction is made [...]
The Zorb ball, Pigeon Forge, TN
Posted in Attractions, Family Fun on May 9, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
If you think being a human hamster doesn’t sound fun, then you have never experienced the Zorb® ball. This extraordinary activity originated in New Zealand, but is now available in Pigeon Forge. You climb in the ball, alone or with friends, and begin your trip down hill. If you are thinking this sounds dangerous, you’re wrong. [...]
Poison Ivy in The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Posted in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Safety, Wildlife on May 8, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great way to relax and enjoy nature while visiting the area. However, along with this activity there are some things you should be cautious of, one being poison ivy. The reaction caused by the plant differs from person to person, ranging from no reaction at all to [...]
Dolly Parton Parade, Pigeon Forge, TN
Posted in Events, Family Fun, Photo Opportunity, Pigeon Forge on May 7, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
The 24th Annual Dolly Parade will be held on May 9th of this year. So what attracts the over 50,000 parade watchers to this event besides the colorful floats and marching bands? Dolly Parton herself heads the parade as grand marshal. This kick off to the Pigeon Forge Springfest is an unforgettable family fun event. [...]
Forbidden Caverns, Sevierville, TN
Posted in Attractions, Family Fun, Sevierville on May 6, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Tennessee is home to more than 8,350 caves, making it the state with the most caverns registered in the whole United States. Among these caves, is the Forbidden Caverns, located in Sevierville. This is a sight you must see. The cavern is full of spectacular chimneys and chrystal clear streams. So bring the family buy [...]
Towing Servies in Pigeon Forge, TN
Posted in Pigeon Forge on May 5, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Here are a few local auto & towing services in the Smoky Mountain area.
Neighborhood Services - 865-430-3714
4533 East Parkway, Gatlinburg
Located on Hwy-321, 9.2 miles east of JMH office. Repairs and Tire Service
NAPA Auto Parts – 865-436-7463
1007 East Parkway/Hwy-321, Gatlinburg
Parts Only
McKinney Auto Parts and Service – 865-430-5520
109 Hickham Hollow Rd., Gatlinburg
Located 2.1 mi. west of JMH off of [...]
Douglas Lakeview Stables, Sevierville, TN
Posted in Attractions, Family Fun, Outdoor, Photo Opportunity, Sevierville on May 4, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Come to Douglas Lakeview Stables to enjoy 40-mile views on horseback along the mountain ridges. This is a family fun spot, which you can all enjoy. The stable also offers hayrides, a petting zoo, and the chance to see Dolly Parton’s family farm. Group accommodations are also easily made. Campfire, karaoke, and cookout options are [...]
Pigeon Forge Gem Mine
Posted in Attractions, Family Fun on May 3, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Fossils and gems are part of the heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains. At the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, you and your family can find, cut, and polish your own gems. If you wish to make the gems you find into jewelry, they offer that option as well. Also, make sure to visit the Rock and [...]
Summertime at Ober Gatlinburg
Posted in Family Fun, Gatlinburg, Summer, Waterpark on May 2, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Ober Gatlinburg is not just for winter sports. The amusement park at Ober offers several things to do during the summer including two water rides.
On Ober’s Lightnin’ Raft Ride you can experience the trill of a water ride without even getting wet! This ride has a 40ft vertical drop that is sure to trill.
The Blue Cyclone Rapids sends [...]
